Meta is expanding Meta Verified to India

Meta is expanding its test of Meta Verified to India following successful results from early testing conducted in various countries worldwide. Previously granted verified badges based on existing criteria will continue to be honored.

A screenshot of Mark Zuckerberg's Instagram Broadcast Channel was posted, announcing the expansion of Meta Verified to India.

To facilitate the growth of emerging creators on their apps, Meta announced in February the testing of a new offering called Meta Verified. This subscription bundle is available on Instagram and Facebook and includes a verified badge that verifies the account using a government ID, proactive account protection, and access to account support. Adjustments have been made to Meta Verified based on learnings from the initial test in Australia and New Zealand, such as the removal of increased reach for additional test countries. This approach will also be implemented in India. Meta is exploring additional elements to include in the subscription as they expand to more locations, with further details to be shared in the future.

One of the most common requests from creators is for broader access to verification and account support. Meta has been considering how to provide access to these features through a paid offering since last year.

In India, Meta Verified offers the following:

A verified badge that confirms the authenticity of the account and authentication through a government ID¹.
Enhanced protection against impersonation through proactive account monitoring for impersonators targeting individuals with growing online audiences.
Support for common account issues, currently available in English and will be extended to include Hindi in the coming months.
Meta Verified can be directly purchased on Instagram or Facebook in India starting today². A monthly subscription is available for ₹699 on iOS and Android³. In the future, a web purchase option will be introduced for ₹599 per month⁴.

Existing verified badges will be retained for accounts verified before the introduction of Meta Verified. These accounts have undergone a verification process to establish their authentic presence and may be more susceptible to impersonation. Maintaining the verified badge is crucial to protect their accounts and the people engaging with them.

Meta aims to create a valuable subscription offering for creators, businesses, and the wider community in the long term. As part of this vision, the definition of verified accounts on their apps is evolving to expand access to verification, ensuring that more users can trust the authenticity of the accounts they interact with.

Ensuring safety from the outset is a priority for Meta. They have implemented a series of checks in Meta Verified before, during, and after the application process. To be eligible, accounts must meet minimum activity requirements, such as a prior posting history, and applicants must be at least 18 years old. Applicants are also required to submit a government ID matching the profile name and photo of their Facebook or Instagram account. Proactive monitoring for account impersonation is included in Meta Verified subscriptions. Meta remains committed to continuous monitoring and reviewing reported violations, taking prompt action against those attempting to evade their systems.

Creators in India have expressed their reactions to Meta Verified:

Sahil Purakait (@sahilpurkait_), a Delhi-based creator with 124k followers, believes that Meta Verified is a valuable proposition that accelerates the process of building a strong presence on Instagram and Facebook, providing legitimacy and security to emerging creators in India.
Sameer Quraishi (@sameerquraishi__), a Noida-based creator with 256k followers, has long desired the verified badge and frequently requested account support. Sameer feels that Meta Verified fulfills both these needs, providing permanence to their presence on Instagram and Facebook and serving as the foundation for building a large and loyal following.